Women's football news
Charlton
Athletic LFC v Lewes FC Women
Catch Up
Following last weekend’s historic win away to Keynsham Town
in the FA Cup, Lewes switch trophies with a visit to Charlton Athletic in the
FAWPL Cup this Sunday.
Our last trip to Thamesmead, on the opening day of the
season, saw the hosts romp to a big win which set them up on an impressive
league run that sees them top the FA WPL South table. The reverse fixture was a
much tighter affair, with the Rookettes feeling they should have had something more
than the 2-1 defeat.
That day it was iconic leader Kelly Newton who gave Lewes
the lead on the half hour with a typically brave finish. The Addicks struggled
to get on terms for much of the match, late strikes from Charlotte Lee and
Charley Gifford sealing the win.
The Gaffer
John Donoghue was pleased with his side’s progress in the FA
Cup, but has left his players in no doubt where he wants their focus this
weekend.
‘The FA Cup win and a
plumb home tie versus a WSL1 side have rightly made some headlines, but we have
a job to do this Sunday. Charlton can be a handful. We feel there’s some
unfinished business from our last match, where they took their chances in a
game we should perhaps have closed out.
We’re in a good run of
form. I’m getting players back who I’ve been without for a fair bit of
mid-season, so I have some options. We want to keep our winning run going. We
have ground to make up in the league and we’re still in three cups. The hard
work continues.’
Player News
Lewes bade farewell to legendary skipper and taliswoman
Kelly Newton this week. The veteran midfielder has led the side for 13 seasons,
through 3 promotions, scored a number of crucial goals and lifted several
trophies, including last season’s FA WPL Plate, the club’s first National
championship.
Paying tribute to Kelly, John Donoghue said:
‘I’m lucky to have worked with such a great player &
captain, the epitome of professionalism. Kelly is conscientious, driven and has
humility, all the traits of a great player and leader. What a wonderful example
for others to follow.’
Midfield powerhouse Katie McIntyre takes over the Captaincy
and knows very well what that means:
‘It’s going to be hard to follow a born
leader like Kelly. I hope I can continue her legacy in leading this great club.
I’m very proud to wear the shirt and now the armband.’
Charlton had a busy January, landing three players to boost
their end of season charge. Winger Olivia Lukasewich joins from Vaughan Soccer
Club (Ontario), Kerry Walklett, 22, moves across from WSL1 side Reading, and
Elle Nelson has crossed the channel from French side FC Mulhouse.
Riteesh Mishra may shuffle the pack for this one after a
tough away FA Cup match v Northern Division leaders Blackburn Rovers. Charlton
emerged victorious, 3-2 after extra time, on a beast of a pitch. Georgia
Griffin scored the winner after a Kit Graham header was deflected in and a cool
chipped finish from top scorer Charlotte Gurr.
Form Guide (all
competitions)
CHARLTON: WWWWWW
Current league position: 1st
Leading scorer: Charlotte Gurr (28)
LEWES: WWWWWW
Current league position: 4th
Leading scorer: Rebecca Carter (10)
Kick-off: 2pm
Sporting Club Thamesmead
Bayliss Avenue,
Thamesmead,
London SE28 8NJ